First held in 1990, the Great Gilmour Street Garage Sale takes place on the Saturday following the Victoria Day weekend, with residents along the entire length of Gilmour Street as well as neighbouring streets participating in the popular event. (Photo: Linda McIlwain)
The Great Gilmour Street Garage Sale in Peterborough is back for another year on Saturday, May 24 — although without two of the annual sale’s longtime participants.
Held on the Saturday following the Victoria Day weekend, the Great Gilmour Street Garage Sale sees residents along the entire length of Gilmour Street, from Park Street to Monaghan Road, participating in the sale, along with residents on neighbouring streets.
The sale begins at 9 a.m. (although some people have been known to show up early) and runs until 1 p.m. While the weather for the sale has traditionally been excellent, there’s always a chance it will be rained out. The rain date is Sunday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Along with residents selling regular and unique items at bargain prices, many non-profit organizations also set up shop during the sale to raise funds, and there’s often some live entertainment as well.
First held in 1990, the Great Gilmour Street Garage Sale is one of the biggest events of its kind in Peterborough and very popular. 2025 marks the 33rd year of the sale, which was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
This will be the first year of the sale without Vivian and Bill Heinmiller, two of the event’s founders and longtime participants who regularly hosted a plant sale in support of local charities — although the couple hadn’t been involved with the sale in recent years due to illness.
Vivian Heinmiller, along with her husband Bill, was one of the founders and longtime organizers of the Great Gilmour Street Garage Sale and regularly hosted a plant sale in support of local charities including Parkinson Canada. Bill, who was diagnosed with Parkison’s in 1996, passed away in January 2024 and Vivian, who was also diagnosed with the disease, passed away in October 2024 after being approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). (Photo: Heinmiller family)
Both former teachers at Peterborough Collegiate Vocational School, Vivian and Bill used their front lawn to raise funds for the Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Mother of Twins Club, and then Parkinson Canada after Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1996. Vivian was also president of the Peterborough chapter of Parkinson Canada and organized their annual SuperWalk fundraiser for many years.
Vivian cared for Bill as his Parkinson’s progressed, even though she herself was later diagnosed with the disease, and Bill passed away on January 12, 2024 at the age of 81. After the progression of Vivian’s own Parkinson’s affected her ability to walk, cook, garden, and do the things she loved, she applied for and was approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
She passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 14, 2024 at the age of 83.
"With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, it's more important than ever to be prepared" for an emergency, says Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service Chief Terry Jones. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
From the recent ice storm in April to the severe windstorm of May 2022, the weather is getting wilder in the Kawarthas and now’s the time to plan ahead for the unexpected, officials say as Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) in Canada comes to a close.
EP Week is a national awareness initiative that encourages people to take action to ensure they’re prepared to protect themselves, their families, and their community during an emergency. Kawartha Lakes marked EP Week, which ran from May 4 to 10, by sharing tips for staying safe and being prepared.
“With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, it’s more important than ever to be prepared,” Terry Jones, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service chief, told kawarthaNOW.
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“The recent ice storm showed how quickly conditions can change. Having a plan and an emergency kit helps protect your family and supports first responders during critical times,” the chief added.
Kawartha Lakes encourages residents to prepare themselves and their families by recognizing the risks, developing an emergency kit, and planning according.
“By implementing straightforward measures, you can reinforce your preparedness for a variety of situations, regardless of when or where they may occur,” a media release noted.
The key actions shared by the municipality are listed below.
Understand the risk
Knowing the specific risks relevant to the Kawartha Lakes community is crucial for effective preparation. Whether it is extreme weather events or power outages, being aware of potential hazards enables better responsiveness. Additionally, readiness for less probable occurrences is equally important.
Creating and regularly practising an emergency plan allows families to respond effectively when faced with an emergency. This includes making and practising a home escape plan.
Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit
Be ready in the event of an emergency by preparing a 72-hour emergency kit stocked with essential supplies for each family member, including pets, for at least three days during any kind of emergency that may occur.
Kawarthas Lakes resident can stay connected with the municipality for the latest updates during an emergency.
“We do our best to communicate to residents in as many ways as possible,” the municipality noted.
To receive emergency management updates as they are sent, subscribe to receive municipal news via email by visiting the City of Kawartha Lakes website at www.kawarthalakes.ca.
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Kawartha Lakes also posts its news and updates on social media.
During an emergency event, if internet or cell phone data is not accessible, community members can tune into local radio stations Bounce Radio 91.9 or Pure Country 105 for municipal news and updates.
Introduced in 1996, EP Week is held annually during the first full week of May. It’s intended to help motivate Canadians “to take practical steps towards fortifying their readiness to protect their families in case of emergencies.”
After 13 years working in clinical settings, Dr. Jessica Gonzalez has launched MVS Kawartha Lakes to provide pet care direct to clients in their homes. Offering in-home vaccinations, wellness checks, end-of-life care, and more for both cats and dogs, Dr. Jessica offers a less stressful experience for both pets and their owners while meeting a need for accessible and travelling pet care in the Kawarthas. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jessica Gonzalez)
Why bring your pet to the vet when you can bring the vet to them?
After 13 years of clinical practice, including nine years spent at Bobcaygeon’s Three Islands Veterinary Services, Dr. Jessica Gonzalez has launched MVS Kawartha Lakes to meet a growing demand in the community: at-home pet care that provides a more comfortable and relaxed experience for both owners and their furry companions.
“Out in this area, I think there is a need for a mobile vet,” Dr. Jessica says. “Bobcaygeon itself does have quite a (large) senior population and a lot of people have trouble getting to the clinic, and animals are nervous or don’t do well in the clinic setting. I’ve always thought there was a need for mobile vets, and I’ve been surprised there are so few I’ve come across.”
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Offering care to cats and dogs in Kawartha Lakes as well as Peterborough, Ennismore, Lakefield, and areas in between (as well as some euthanasia appointments outside the region), MVS Kawartha Lakes offers a range of services including preventative care and wellness checks, disease management and assessments, behaviour consultations, and end-of-life care.
By treating a pet in the comfort of their own home, Dr. Jessica says, she’s able to build a more “personal relationship” with both people and their furry companions and reduce some of the stress involved with bringing pets to a clinic.
“When you are in a clinic setting and walk into the room, the dog is already anxious, nervous, and barking at you, or they’re cowering behind their owners or trying to get under these small little chairs,” she says.
“To get a physical exam done and build a relationship with them is very difficult, and almost impossible in some scenarios. Some dogs do come around, I find, but the majority of them tend to stay nervous and that can even get worse throughout every visit.”
Dr. Jessica Gonzalez joined the team at Three Islands Veterinary Services in Bobcaygeon in 2017 after previously working at VCA Canada Northumberland Animal Hospital in Colborne. While she runs her mobile vet clinic MVS Kawartha Lakes, Dr. Jessica will continue to perform dental surgery out of the Bobcaygeon clinic once or twice a week. (Photo courtesy of Three Islands Veterinary Services)
While she’s only just launched MVS Kawartha Lakes and hasn’t had many repeat clients yet, Dr. Jessica already sees a clear difference in how pets respond when they are being treated in the comfort of their own home.
“Some of them are still nervous but I don’t think it’s nearly as bad as they would have in the clinic setting,” she says. “I get a lot further with the exams than I can in the clinic setting and they certainly seem much more comfortable.”
“By the time I’m done the exam, I give them a few more treats and we’re friends again and as soon as I leave, they carry on with their day — they’re not nervous anymore and (the appointment) didn’t traumatize them.”
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When it comes to end-of-life care, Dr. Jessica says offering euthanasia services in an owner’s own home makes a “huge” difference, for both the owner and pet, in comparison to having it done in the clinic.
“It’s stressful for the owners, especially if it’s a large breed dog,” she says of a clinic appointment. “I’ve done quite a few where an elderly owner would have struggled to get their dog in the vehicle. That would have been stressful for the owner and pet. It’s also just not a nice moment.”
In contrast, the appointments she has done at a pet’s own home have been “incredibly peaceful” and without stress for both the pet and the owners. While saying goodbye to a beloved pet is still emotionally taxing both for the owner and Dr. Gonzales, at least the procedure is being done in a familiar and comfortable setting.
“You go into these homes and they’re filled with their pet pictures and you see this is a huge member of their family that they’re really going to miss,” Gonzalez says. “This way I get to stay with the owners and chat and most people want to talk about their pet, and they want to talk about how important they are. It gives us the opportunity to sit there while the dog or cat is getting sedated and just talk about them and how this makes them feel. You definitely develop a bit more of a bond with the client that way.”
Dr. Jessica Gonzalez has volunteered with Veterinarians Without Borders Canada, including in Meru, Kenya where she and four other veterinarians from Canada spent three weeks working with rural dairy producers, training the farmers on animal health, disease prevention, and treatment with the goals of improving milk production for the farmers, providing the Meru Dairy with more milk to market, and improving overall animal health and welfare. (Photo: Veterinarians Without Borders Canada)
Clients of Three Islands Veterinary Services can still expect to see Dr. Jessica doing dental surgery out of the clinic once or twice a week.
“I’ve always had a passion for dentistry, so I didn’t want to give it up,” she says. “I love my surgical skills, and I love doing dental work.”
“Unfortunately these days, a lot of our pets do have dental issues like periodontal disease, and a lot of them do need referrals for these services. It makes that process a little bit easier for them, too, that I can provide that service to my clients.”
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Doing the mobile clinic reminds Dr. Jessica of her time volunteering in Africa with Veterinarians Without Borders Canada while studying at the Ontario Veterinary College and shortly after graduation.
Over three different trips, she worked in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi, mostly responding to house calls for larger animals used for husbandry. While there, she also spent a month training and spreading knowledge to people in the community.
“We trained them on dosing and assessing weights and things so that, when we were gone, at least there was someone in the community that could continue to advise people on husbandry and basic antiparasitics,” she says. “It was a great experience, and it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
While she has worked in clinic settings since then, including at VCA Canada Northumberland Animal Hospital in Colborne before joining Bobcaygeon’s Three Islands Veterinary Services, entrepreneurship was always the goal for Dr. Jessica.
“I’ve always had great bosses and work for people that have let me practise how I want to practise but it’s just that extra feeling that I can do the things I want to do,” she says. “I just always thought graduating from school that I would want to own my own business and have that aspect beyond just the medicine.”
Not only does Dr. Jessica Gonzalez’s mobile vet clinic MVS Kawartha Lakes offer a more comfortable and accessible veterinary experience for pets and their owners, it gives Dr. Jessica a more flexible scheduled to spend time with her husband Chason and their six-year-old daughter Mackenzie. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jessica Gonzalez)
As a young mother, Dr. Jessica also appreciates the flexibility in her schedule she gets from the mobile clinic so she can care for her six-year-old daughter Mackenzie. That includes making time to introduce Mackenzie to her mother’s favourite movie, Free Willy — the movie that inspired her own career with animals.
“She didn’t want to watch it (because) she thought it was going to be sad,” Dr. Jessica recalls. “I said ‘This is the movie that really changed my life.'”
“I remember being young and watching this movie about animals and their well-being and the bond that you have with animals, and feeling like that really steered me in that direction,” she adds, noting she still cried when she rewatched the movie with her daughter. “She got pretty sad too, but she was so happy at the end, and she immediately started talking about how bad it is to cage animals and that animals should be free. I do see some similarity to me.”
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Since launching MVS Kawartha Lakes, Dr. Jessica has received hundreds of messages from people saying they are grateful to have a mobile vet service in the community.
“The support from the community has been phenomenal,” she says. “I was really touched by that and was really happy to see. It solidified there’s a huge need for this and it’s a great way to service the community and get to know people. It’s a different part of my career that I’m really going to enjoy.”
For more information about MVS Kawartha Lakes and to request an appointment, visit www.mvskawarthalakes.ca.
Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg recently celebrated its many volunteers with a luncheon at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre on May 1, 2025 during National Volunteer Week. (Photo: Northumberland Hills Hospital)
With more than 170 guests in attendance, appreciation and gratitude were on the menu recently when Northumberland County’s west-end hospital hosted a volunteer luncheon in Cobourg.
Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) held its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on May 1 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre. The event was tied into NHH’s recognition of National Volunteer Week in Canada, which ran from April 27 to May 3.
There was a diverse representation of volunteers from NHH’s board of directors, the NHH Foundation, spiritual care, patient and family advisory council (PFAC), and the NHH Auxiliary, who enjoyed food, presentations, and more.
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“A key highlight of the event was the guest speaker, Cheryl Athersych from the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program, who was very well received,” said Jennifer Gillard, vice-president of patient experience, public affairs and strategic partnerships.
“Many attendees noted the speaker’s message as both inspiring and relatable,” she told kawarthaNOW.
“Another highlight was the huge attendance and, through that, the opportunity to see in one room the many faces of generous volunteers who, for many reasons, support the hospital and by extension the community we exist to serve,” Gillard shared. “It was moving and very inspiring. We are so fortunate in Northumberland.”
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Gillard served as the event’s master of ceremonies and also shared highlights from the hospital’s inaugural volunteer experience survey, conducted at the end of 2024.
“While NHH has long surveyed staff, physicians, midwives and, of course, patients on the quality of their experience, we had never, until this past year, surveyed volunteers to see why they choose to bring their time and talents to NHH,” explained Gillard in a media release.
Key findings from the volunteer survey, which was recently highlighted by the Ontario Hospital Association, showed that 94 per cent of NHH volunteers “agreed or strongly agreed” that they felt valued for their contributions to NHH.
Additionally, 98 per cent “agreed or strongly agreed” that they would recommend NHH as a place to volunteer, a sentiment reflected in volunteer teams’ positive recruitment efforts over the past year, Gillard noted.
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During the event, NHH shared each volunteer team’s unique contributions to the hospital. The biggest group is the NHH Auxiliary.
When combined, inclusive of its two retail operations, NHH Auxiliary volunteers contributed more than 30,000 hours of volunteer service during the past year.
“Auxiliary volunteers are everywhere,” said Gillard. “Their presence contributes to a positive experience for patients and caregivers as well as the hospital team.”
The auxiliary runs a community thrift shop and the hospital’s gift shop, which generate more than $200,000 annually. In addition, they greet people and help them find their way when they walk into the hospital or enter the doors to access NHH’s cancer and supportive care or women’s health services.
These volunteers also support triage and communication to patients and families within the emergency department and support the post-acute care program’s hospital elder life program.
NHH also recognized the NHH Foundation for its contributions and support to the hospital. The foundation currently has more than 75 active volunteers.
Back in September 2024, the NHH Foundation celebrated the successful conclusion of the largest fundraising campaign in Northumberland County’s history. Through the “Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care” campaign, led by campaign chair Hank Vandermeer and a dedicated volunteer cabinet, it raised $26.3 million.
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NHH also recognized its volunteer board of directors. The board, and its community committee volunteers, dedicate hundreds of hours of service to the governance of the organization each year, monitoring strategic priorities, quality, and fiscal health.
PFAC also received a special shout-out for the council’s contributions to many operational tables and working groups throughout NHH.
“PFAC plays a critical role in bringing the lived experience of patients and their caregivers into the hospital’s service planning and process improvement,” Gillard noted.
In the last 12 months, they contributed more than 800 hours of volunteer service.
Finally, NHH also acknowledged its student volunteers, volunteers with NHH’s growing network of spiritual care volunteers, and its volunteers with the local St. John Ambulance therapy dog program who visit NHH weekly with their pets.
A female motorcyclist is dead following a collision on Highway 7 in Lindsay on Saturday morning (May 10).
At around 10:30 a.m., City of Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with fire and emergency medical services responded to a collision between a motorcycle and a tractor trailer.
The driver of the motorcycle, a woman from Lindsay, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release the victim’s age.
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The driver of the tractor trailer was taken to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay with undisclosed injuries.
Highway 7 was closed between Highway 35 and County Road 36 for several hours while police documented the scene.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Located just west of Kawartha Lakes in Georgina, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge has partnered with seven other leading Ontario wildlife centres to spread awareness about the influx of orphaned wild animals being admitted to the centres, including as a result of babies being separated from their mothers when people evict nesting animal parents from their properties. The registered charity suggests a number of steps for humane removal of unwanted wildlife, including hiring a reputable wildlife control company and animal-proofing your home. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
In response to an increase in orphaned wild animals, the Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge has teamed up with seven other leading wildlife centres in Ontario to raise awareness and share effective strategies for homeowners dealing with unwanted visitors.
“Every wild animal plays an important role within the ecosystem,” says Shades of Hope founder Gail Lenters in a media release. “Together, we are encouraging the public to view wild animals with compassion and understanding — and seek the most humane way to deal with those that are unwanted house guests.”
Shades of Hope is a registered charity based just west of Kawartha Lakes in Georgina, Ontario, though it follows no boundaries to the animals it will aid. The charity will field calls about animals in need across Ontario and will work with partner centres to provide the best care possible.
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Such partner sanctuaries include Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Rosseau), Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue (Dunrobin), Procyon Wildlife (Beeton), Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (Napanee), Speaking for Wildlife (Orillia), Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre (Val Caron), and Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary (Minden).
While the organization sees an influx in orphaned babies every spring, this year, Shades of Hope is seeing an even higher demand than usual, which is likely the result of the longer winter and recent devastating ice storm.
Shades of Hope is raises awareness around species such as squirrels, skunks, bats, and raccoons who seek warm, secluded spaces to nest and raise their young as the temperature rises. While this is an issue of concern for homeowners as animals will nest in attics, chimneys, and other quiet and undisturbed areas in the home, it also poses a concern for wildlife rehabilitation centres who take in the baby animals that are orphaned when mothers are “evicted” from the premises.
While many baby wild animals are left orphaned because of human interference, others are orphaned because of natural events. Such is the case for baby porcupine Spruce, who was brought to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge from Cookstown after a tree fell and crushed her mother during the ice storm. The centre has been nursing the porpupette back to health and hopes to have her released back in the wild this summer. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
“If the orphaned animals are found quickly enough, they can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for care and eventual release … but many are found too late,” says Lenters. “All the wildlife centres in Ontario will soon reach their capacity, and calls will keep coming in for months. This means rehabbers will struggle to keep up with the influx of babies and do their best not to turn any animal away due to overcrowding.”
While many of the babies end up orphaned due to human interference —whether it be the result of a car accident, a pet attack, or habitat degradation — other times it does happen naturally.
Such is the case with Spruce, a two-week-old porcupette (baby porcupine) whose mother was crushed by a tree just outside Cookstown during the ice storm. The homeowner found her and brought her to Shades of Hope where, despite being dehydrated and scared, she was found to be relatively healthy. Shades of Hope will keep her until she is grown and ready to be on her own and back in the wild later this summer.
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But not all babies have such luck, which is why Shades of Hope outlines ways homeowners can reclaim their homes without disrupting wildlife.
While homeowners may be tempted to use live traps, Shades of Hope explains they are no more humane than kill traps as animals typically experience significant stress and often injure themselves in attempts to escape the traps.
Not only may the animal be injured, but because Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act requires all live animals be relocated no more than one kilometre from their capture site to minimize risks and the potential for disease transmission, many species have strong homing instincts and will likely return to their original territory to find their young
As temperatures rise, mothers often seek quiet and warm areas of human-occupied buildings to nurse their babies, who can become orphaned if the mothers are removed from a property or prevented from returning to their babies. To reduce the influx of orphaned babies, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge is spreading awareness and educating homeowners to deal with unwanted wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
The best practices approved by Ontario’s wildlife rehabbers is to give the animals time to leave on their own and then to discourage future occupancy by animal-proofing your home. However, before sealing the entry points, placing a crumpled paper towel at the entrance can help track movements as an animal is likely still inside if the towel is disturbed at all.
To encourage wild animals to leave dens on their own, Shades of Hope recommends making it as unattractive for a mother as possible by playing a talk radio station (not music), using a non-flammable light source in or near the den area, and introducing strong smells like apple cider vinegar to put on rags placed in plastic bags with holes. These methods together will encourage the mother to move her babies to a new den.
If the situation gets out of hand, the rehabbers encourage seeking a reputable wildlife control company with expertise in wildlife biology during mating and breeding seasons. The company’s service should include identifying entry points, locating the mother and babies, using humane techniques like a one-way door to prevent re-entry, gently removing the babies and placing them in a heated reunion box where they stay warm until the mother returns, and then taking the animals to a safer den site.
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After the humane removal and reuniting the family, the company should then secure entry points into your home and repair any damage. Upon removal of the wildlife, homeowners can also take proactive steps including sealing possible entry points, installing chimneys and vent covers, removing food sources, and securing trash bags or storing them in secure bins.
By working in partnership with the other larger rehab facilities, Shades of Hope maintains its dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife, though, without financial or provincial funding, it relies on community donations. The organization is also always seeking volunteers, including volunteers for maintenance and management and volunteer drivers to support rescue efforts and transporting the animals.
For more information about donating to Shades of Hope or to volunteer, visit www.shadesofhope.ca.
The Town of Cobourg is hosting its annual greenhouse tour and talk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 10, 2025. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
Cobourg residents can stop and smell the flowers on Saturday (May 10) when the Town of Cobourg hosts its annual greenhouse tour and talk.
To celebrate the beginning of this year’s gardening season, the Town of Cobourg’s community services division is inviting community members to attend an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the town’s greenhouse at 501 Thompson Street in Cobourg.
Cobourg park department’s horticulturist Rick Cromlish and his team are providing guided tours of the greenhouse, where participants will learn how town staff seed and transplant the annuals and perennials that will soon adorn Cobourg’s public flower beds and hanging baskets.
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Cromlish, along with parks manager Stu Dafoe, shared some of their goals for the event with kawarthaNOW.
“(Our) hopes for the weekend are to show a preview of the 2025 season’s wide variety of annual flowers and hanging baskets that will be on display throughout the town this summer,” they said.
The open house is also an opportunity “to bring awareness to the public that town staff grow all plant material in-house start to finish.”
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The Town of Cobourg greenhouses have been in operation since 1991.
“The idea for the greenhouse came about to grow annual flowers for town facility gardens (and) parks including decorating the downtown core with containers and hanging baskets,” the parks team noted.
The array of greenhouse plants residents will see are earmarked for municipal gardens only, and are not for sale to the public.
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When asked about any future plans for expansion, Cromlish and Dafoe said, “there are no plans to grow other plants or vegetables in the future, as we have reached capacity for growing.”
On Saturday, in addition to the tour, residents can also peruse historic photo albums featuring past floral clock designs, grab a cup of complimentary coffee or other refreshment, and stay for a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which is sponsored by Experience Cobourg. There will be a Mother’s Day giveaway, while supplies last.
The town expects the event to be “fun and educational for all ages — a great outing for families and garden enthusiasts,” a media release noted. “Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Cobourg’s most colourful traditions.”
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The Town of Cobourg’s greenhouse consists of almost 7,000 square feet of growing space, with around 100,000 individual plants grown each year. The greenhouse also features 300 hanging baskets that are grown for Cobourg’s downtown and waterfront.
There are three seasons of growing: one for summer annuals, two for fall mums, and three for poinsettias used in winter to decorate town facilities.
The Town of Cobourg is a multiple-year “Communities in Bloom” award winner.
Elyse Saunders from Peterborough, Tebey from Peterborough, and Sacha from Warkworth have each received multiple nominations for the Country Music Association of Ontario's 2025 CMAOntario Awards, with Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough receiving a nomination for Songwriter of the Year. The CMAOntario Awards Show will be held on June 1, 2025 at The Music Hall in Hamilton. (kawarthaNOW collage of promotional photos)
Country music talent is alive and well in the Kawarthas region, with five local artists nominated for the Country Music Association of Ontario’s 2025 CMAOntario Awards.
Hosted by Jason McCoy, the CMAOntario Awards Show at The Music Hall in Hamilton will close out the 13th annual CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend from May 30 to June 1, featuring concerts, open stages, and an industry conference.
Elyse Saunders from Peterborough, who was named Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards, is up for the same award again, as well as for Single of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”), Songwriter of the Year (with Jason Blaine for “Never Have I Ever”), and Music Video of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”).
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Sacha (Sacha Visagie) from Warkworth has received nominations for Single of the Year (“Hey Mom I Made It”), Female Artist of the Year, and Fans’ Choice. Sacha will also headline the Bonfire show on May 31 during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend.
Tebey (Tebey Solomon Ottoh) from Peterborough is nominated for Single of the Year (“Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), Songwriter of the Year (with G. Palmer, S. Walker, and D. Dupelle for “Hangover at My Place”), Music Video of the Year (for “Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), and Fans’ Choice.
Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough are nominated for Songwriter of the Year, along with Owen Riegling, for their work on Riegling’s song “Moonshines,” which is also up for Single of the Year. Scott also received a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards along with Jade Eagleton.
The osprey, which is the official bird of the City of Kawartha Lakes, can migrate more than 250,000 kilometres during its 15-to-20-year lifetime. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
As birds take flight this spring to return to their breeding grounds, the City of Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents to mark World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday (May 10).
With the varied species of birds passing through the Kawartha Lakes or returning to the area for the summer, May is an ideal time to explore birding, and there are several opportunities on Saturday for community members to learn more about the importance of nature’s feathered friends.
Originally created in 1993 as International Migratory Bird Day by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, D.C., World Migratory Bird Day is an awareness and education campaign celebrated twice a year to highlight the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats across international borders.
Reflecting when birds migrate south and north, the day is officially celebrated annually in Canada and the U.S. on the second Saturday in May, and in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean on the second Saturday of October.
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Taking part in World Migratory Bird Day is important for a number of reasons, according to Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes chair Jamie Morris.
“We are fortunate to have many bird species sharing our city, from tiny kinglets and warblers to soaring bald eagles and ospreys — our official city bird,” Morris told kawarthaNOW. “They’re all worth celebrating. They deserve to be thanked, too.”
Morris noted that birds perform important environmental services, including turkey vultures clearing up carcasses, hummingbirds pollinating, and tree swallows consuming mosquitoes. They also act as benchmarks for environmental health.
“If birds are doing well, it indicates the environment is in good shape,” Morris pointed out. “If they’re not, we should be worried.”
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Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents and visitors to take part in seven guided bird walks, led by experienced local birders, which are taking place in communities across the municipality.
Whether a person is new to birding or a long-time enthusiast, the walks are a great way to explore local trails and discover which birds are making their seasonal journey through the region, a media release noted.
To mark World Migratory Bird Day, Kawartha Lakes City Hall in Lindsay will go dark overnight on May 10.
As many birds migrate at night, bright lights can confuse or harm them, and turning off lights helps protect birds as they navigate the night skies. The municipality is encouraging residents and businesses to do the same, to help birds on their migratory paths.
In the last 50 years, North American bird populations have dropped by more than 25 per cent.
“Maybe the biggest reason to mark this day is that birds are under threat, and there are simple things we can do to help them out, particularly during the migration season,” Morris explained. “Three billion of our birds are gone — turning off lights at night helps.”
Morris noted there are other things people can do to help protect birds.
“Keeping cats indoors is another helpful measure,” he said. According to Birds Canada, domestic cats kill more than 100 million birds each year in Canada alone.
“(Creating) backyards with plants that offer shelter, nesting opportunities, and food makes a difference too,” he added.
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The month of May also marks the one-year anniversary of Kawartha Lakes becoming a certified “Bird Friendly City,” the 24th municipality in Canada to earn this recognition from Nature Canada. A Bird Friendly City certification is a program that encourages local communities to take action to protect and support bird populations.
“The title highlights our community’s work to protect bird habitats, reduce threats like window strikes and pollution, and educate people about the value of birds in our ecosystems,” the release noted.
As for marking World Migratory Bird Day, Morris said, “We encourage everyone to come out to a walk or workshop and learn more about how we can help protect these amazing creatures.”
World Migratory Bird Day walks in Kawartha Lakes on Saturday, May 10 are listed below. Families can also learn how to make their yards safer for birds at a free presentation offered at the Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library on Tuesday, May 20.
All walks are free, and open to all ages and levels of experience. They provide opportunities to discover how to spot and identify birds and learn about local and migratory species. Bird walks occur rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, water, and binoculars, if available.
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Ken Reid Dawn Chorus – 5:30 a.m.
Arrive at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay) with a lawn chair and enjoy the dawn chorus of birdsong on a slope looking out over Sturgeon Lake. Follow signs to the P2 lot. The event will be led by Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation with Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins.
Burnt River Bird Walk – 8:30 a.m.
Meet at the Burnt River Community Centre (16 Somerville Centre Rd.) for a walk sponsored by Kawartha Field Naturalists and led by John Bick.
North Bear Conservation Area Bird Walk – 10 a.m.
Meet at the North Bear Conservation Area off Alvar Road. Arrive early for a parking spot. This walk is sponsored by Carden Field Naturalists.
Fenelon Falls Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the Fenelon Falls library branch (19 Market St.) to join Leslie Dyment from the Kawartha Field Naturalists for a one-hour guided walk along a local trail.
Omemee Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Omemee library branch (24 King St. E.) for a one-hour walk along the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. There will be an option to climb the drumlin behind Scott Young Public School afterwards.
Dunsford Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Dunsford library branch (26 Community Centre Rd.) for a one-hour walk along the Dunsford Nature Trail.
Ken Reid Bird Walk – 7 p.m.
Join Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation and Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins for a guided bird walk in Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay). Follow the signs to the P2 lot.
In addition to the above guided walks, residents can also attend a free “Chatty Café” event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Lindsay library branch (190 Kent St. W.) where guest speaker Rob Stavinga will share 12 key strategies to make your backyard a safe haven for birds.
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2021 for "her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada's next generation of leaders." (Photo via McGregor Leadership website)
Family, friends, and associates of a highly respected and awarded champion of women are remembering her as someone who touched many lives, be that as a veterinarian, a federal election candidate, a mentor of students, an author, or a supporter of special needs athletes.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor, of Clear Lake northeast of Lakefield, passed away on Tuesday (May 6) at the age of 77 from the ovarian cancer she was diagnosed with in January 2022. Her nephew, Robert John McGregor, shared word of her passing Wednesday via a Facebook post that brought forth condolences from a number of his followers.
Born in Peterborough — one of four siblings raised by Doug and Stevie McGregor — McGregor attended the former Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS) before attaining a Master’s degree in geography from Hamilton’s McMaster University. That brought her to St. Peter Catholic Secondary School where she taught geography and physical education.
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Having graduated in 1987 from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, McGregor later founded the World Women’s Veterinary Association and, in 1995, led an international delegation at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Women held in Beijing, China. McGregor also worked with the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization in Indonesia.
But for all her professional accomplishments, including those achieved as a federal civil servant with Industry Canada and Agriculture Canada, McGregor’s tireless dedication to the mentorship and empowerment of young people and women became her calling card. Hosting leadership workshops or taking Lakefield College School students on trips to Harvard University, from which she received two fellowships, McGregor inspired countless others to be all they can be.
In 2019, McGregor, who sought federal election in 2008 and 2011, wrote a book titled Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power that highlighted Canadian women with diverse backgrounds who entered into politics at all levels. Two years later, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for “her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada’s next generation of leaders.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor, pictured in the front row, was the founding architect of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women Leader’s Network, and coordinator of the science and technology stream. (Photo via McGregor Leadership website)
In a written statement shared with kawarthaNOW, former Peterborough Liberal MP Maryam Monsef characterizes McGregor as “a force for good.”
“Her creative mind, her deep expertise, her impressive education and her sincere care for our community and country made her a strong candidate for MP. We all lost out when she lost that bid to be our Member of Parliament. We all grieved that loss again, years later, when the country discovered her opponent had broken election laws during the campaign. She didn’t give up on our community after that, and she didn’t give up on politics either.”
“I am among many women she encouraged, mentored and championed. She took the time to teach me how campaigns are won and lost, gave me a meaningful role on her own campaign when she ran for MP, took me to other ridings to see how things work elsewhere, and volunteered her time and talent when I worked up the courage to put my name on a ballot.”
“She invited me to events she convened, introduced me to lovely people, said my name in powerful rooms, and was there with a bright smile and great wisdom throughout my time in office.”
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McGregor’s first bid for a seat in Ottawa in 2008 saw her come second to Conservative candidate Dean Del Mastro. The second attempt, in 2011, saw her place a distant third, with Del Mastro again winning the seat.
David Goyette served as an advisor on McGregor’s second election bid in 2011.
“Right after that, we had dinner to talk over her future,” recalls Goyette.
“I advised her that I thought another run would not be successful. To her great credit, Betsy had the wisdom, she had the humility, to know that her time as a candidate was over. I had great admiration for her. It’s very difficult for people to do that.”
“She spent her remaining years mentoring women from across Canada on how to run for office, and how to do so in a man’s world. That was a defining characteristic of who she was.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor pictured with Maryam Monsef, former Liberal Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Cabinet minister. (Photo: Maryam Monsef / Instagram)
Another encounter, says Goyette, spoke specifically to McGregor’s big heart.
“I was at City Hall (as an assistant to then-mayor Daryl Bennett). On my last day in late 2014, Betsy showed up with a huge bouquet of flowers. To me, that was an incredible act of kindness; the epitome of what it means to be a kind person. When no one else would do that Betsy did that.”
Goyette kept up his friendship with McGregor, to the point that he drove her to several of her medical appointments.
“It’s hard to have a conversation with someone in the car when you’re taking them to their cancer treatments and you know they don’t have many months left,” says Goyette.
“The only thing she wanted to talk about was politics. It was her enduring passion. I think, for her whole life, that never left her. She had a passion, an enthusiasm for life, that was unmatched, probably in any person I have ever known. Betsy was never in a bad mood. It always wonderful to be around a person with such a optimistic and positive disposition.”
“She would have been a good MP. She was good at everything she did.”
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The man who twice stood in the way of McGregor achieving that goal remains very respectful of her passion, and her determination to seek political office.
“We had different firmly held beliefs but, at the same time, there was respect shown each other,” recalls Del Mastro.
“The second election was difficult on her, obviously. But after the election, she booked appointments at my office. We talked about problems and potential solutions. On at least one occasion, her and Maryam Monsef came to talk about the plight of women in Afghanistan. We have a very constructive conversation.”
“After the election in 2008, she congratulated me. Her first comment to me was ‘Remember the poor.'”
Del Mastro says his admiration for McGregor remains rooted in her “putting herself on the line” by seeking election, adding “You’re putting it all out there. You’ll have people that love you and you’ll people that attack you. Anyone who puts their name forward deserves appreciation for doing that.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor (pouring a glass of water) sitting beside Peterborough-Kawartha Conservative candidate Dean Del Mastro at an all-candidates debate during her first foray into federal politics in 2008. Although she came in second to Del Mastro, after a second attempt in 2011 saw her place a distant third, she decided to instead focus her attention on helping other women enter politics. (Photo via Elect Betsy McGregor Flickr account)
Another side of McGregor that few were, or are now, aware of was her commitment to Special Olympics athletes as well as the Kawartha Komets special needs hockey program. Her involvement with the latter stemmed from her support for her nephew, a visually impaired goalie.
“One of our sons played Special Olympics soccer,” recalls David Fisher, whose wife Carol founded the Kawartha Komets program.
“Carol and I would go out to watch those soccer games at Keith Wightman (Public School). Just watching the way Betsy interacted with those kids was just incredible. She poured her heart and soul into it. It was inspirational.”
“You don’t read about Betsy McGregor, the Special Olympics soccer lady. It was just something that she did. With the Komets, Betsy and Barb would to out-of-town games, and sometimes invites other family members. Invariably, she would come to Carol and me and thank us profusely for letting her nephew’s dream (of playing hockey) become a reality.”
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Monsef writes her last conversation with McGregor centred around her second edition of Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power.
“It was a project she worked on diligently, interviewing Canadian women in politics about their stories and their resilience, with the goal of encouraging more women to enter and to stay in politics. Betsy’s calling was to elevate the voices of women. She did it with joy, she did it relentlessly.”
“She was a Liberal, but respected women across all party lines, often speaking about women like Flora MacDonald with great reverence.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor at the Art Gallery of Guelph in October 2022, 10 months after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, when the University of Guelph Alumni Association recognized her with the Alumni of Honour Award. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1987, McGregor founded the World Women;s Veterinary Association, sponsoring field projects empowering rural women and children globally. (Photo: University of Guelph Alumni Association)
Monsef adds McGregor was an early supporter of Red Pashmina. Founded 15 years ago by Monsef and Jessica Melnik, the non-profit supports the education of women and girls in Afghanistan through proceeds from the sale of red pashmina shawls.
“Not only did she help with the concept, she wrote the first big cheque to purchase the first big order of red shawls,” writes Monsef.
“When we repaid her generous loan, she expressed her pride in our efforts and thanked us for allowing her to be part of a solution for women and girls’ education in Afghanistan. That was Betsy. Keenly aware of how interconnected we are, and truly invested in youth leadership. ”
“The Order of Canada recognition for her work to advance women and girls in stem fields shines a light on one of her many contributions to Canada. I will miss her very much, and will keep the lessons she shared with me close to heart.”
VIDEO: University of Guelph Alumni of Honour: Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor (2022)
There will be two celebrations of McGregor’s life, one hosted in Toronto at the end of May and the other at Clear Lake in July.
Her family encourages guests to wear something colourful, noting that yellow was McGregor’s favourite colour.
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